Officialization of the Association
“Today, many Institutes, often because of new situations, have come to the conviction that their charism could be shared with lay people, who, in consequence, are invited to participate in a more profound way in the spirituality and the mission of the Institute.
We can say that, in the wake of historical experiences like that of various secular Orders or the third Order, a new chapter, rich in hope, opens in the history of relations between the consecrated and the laity.”
VITA CONSECRATA, Roma, 25 mars
Associates seek from the Congregation a fraternity that inspires prayer and sheds light on their commitment in their family, their workplace, in society and in the Church.
In 2001, convinced of the spiritual benefits of the Association and strong from the declaration of the Church, the Delegates to the General Chapter decided to formalize the reality of the Associates to the Congregation and make the demand to Rome.
Chapitre général 2001, p. 32, 33 et 34
Following the lived experiences, the sisters and the Associates express the desire to go further in sharing.
Consequently, the General Chapter invites the provinces
– to facilitate the participation of Associates in apostolic projects and to develop new ones with them;
– to encourage the formation of associated youth groups where reality permits.
On December 21, 2002 the Apostolic Headquarters for Institutions of consecrated life and the Societies of apostolic life declare by decree that the lay
The Associations to the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Mission proper to the Institut.”
In June 2004
Some 250 Associates of the Congregation are spread in different countries where we serve: West Africa, Brazil, Canada, France, United States, Madagascar and French Polynesia.
Delegation to the General Chapter in 2007
Some delegates from 350 Associates from different countries are summoned to the General Chapter.
Just like the Daughters of Charity, the Associates express their desire to draw from the deepest source the charisms of Father Catroux and Mother Marie, and also from the tradition of the French school that nourished them. They are also aware that they need to develop with an ever growing ardor this apostolic zeal of contemplation, to live the life of Jesus in His mysteries.
The FCSCJ Family is growing
“A path opens …
People live their educational, health or social mission in the Church, according to the Common Project of Evangelization of the FCSCJ. Work and collaboration situations between lay people and the FCSCJ are frequent.
That is why :
– that a new form of bond with the FCSCJ be recognized in the Congregation, that of
Educational mission partners;
Health or social partners;
-that, if other forms of bonding are experienced in the next six years, they will be evaluated at the next General Chapter. “General Chapter 2007, p. 40
Vers la PLÉNITUDE DE LA CHARITÉ Les Filles de la Charité du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus et leurs Associés.
In 2009, the General Council, in agreement with the Provincials, formed the International Associates Committee and entrusted it with the mandate to draw up a booklet specially intended for the Associates of the Congregation and the members responsible for the formation of Associates. Sister Thérèse Bichon, (France) S. Rosina Béchard (United States) and Sister Denise Lessard (Canada) formed this committee.
In September 2009
The family expands: it now has more than 400 Associates spread in different countries where the Daughters of the Charity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is present in mission.
“Today, the Associates have become a Church reality, a sign for our time that is rooted in the Second Vatican Council, which invited all Christians to become more aware of the importance of their baptism, because all the baptized are called to holiness. ”
International Associates Committee, September 2009